Throughout our lives, and especially as we grow older, we may experience periods of poor health. When these moments are marked with a greater seriousness, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can offer both spiritual and physical healing.
In this sacrament, we encounter Jesus who heals and consoles us by offering us the presence of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in body, mind and spirit during our time of illness. Our trust and faith in God are renewed and our suffering is united in Jesus’ suffering on the cross.
Who Should Receive this Sacrament?
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for:
- the elderly whose frailty is becoming more pronounced
- adults and children who are suffering from a major illness, are facing major surgery, or have suffered a serious accident
- those who suffer from chronic illness or who suffer from a serious mental illness.
From this list, it is clear that the Anointing of the Sick is not meant to be celebrated before imminent death. Its proper celebration at the beginning and during illness and times of suffering and pain, recalls our hope in God’s promise to be with us always and provides us with the strength and consolation of the Holy Spirit to face our suffering with courage.
How is this Sacrament Celebrated?
When possible, the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated in the presence of family and friends. The following is a brief outline of the celebration:
- Introductory Rites: The celebration opens with a greeting, a sprinkling with holy water and the penitential rite.
- Liturgy of the Word: All present then hear and respond to God’s Word as proclaimed in Sacred Scripture. The priest may also share a few words to explain the meaning of the Sacrament to those present.
- Rite of Anointing: This rite opens with the prayer of faith, laying on of hands by the priest, a prayer over the oil, anointing of the forehead and hands of the person who is sick.
- Concluding Rite: The celebration concludes with a prayer, the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing.
When is the Sacrament Celebrated?
A communal celebration of Anointing is normally celebrated on the first Friday of each month at the 12:10 PM Mass, however, has been suspended at this time due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Anointing of the Sick is also celebrated upon request by contacting the Parish Office. In the case of impending death, the Sacraments of Reconciliation and of Viaticum (Holy Communion) and the giving of the Apostolic Pardon may also be celebrated along with the Anointing.
In the event of a hospital emergency, if the Parish Priest cannot be reached or is unavailable, the family should request that hospital personnel contact the Priest on Call.